Aberdeen, SD
Population 28,297 · South Dakota
About Aberdeen, SD
Aberdeen is a mid-sized city located in South Dakota with a population of 28,297 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $63,715 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.8 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Aberdeen features a median home value of $205,500, which is 16% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Aberdeen in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $783, 33% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 13,395 total housing units, 58% are owner-occupied (7,206 units) and 42% are renter-occupied (5,135 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Aberdeen shows an unemployment rate of 4.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 12.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Aberdeen have an average one-way commute time of 11.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
33.6% of Aberdeen residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 2.1% White, 8.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, and 1.4% Asian residents, with 4.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Aberdeen Ranks in South Dakota
Cost of Living in Aberdeen, SD
Compared to national averages, Aberdeen has a median household income of $63,715 (15% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $205,500, which is 16% below the national median. Monthly rent at $783 is 33% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Aberdeen's income is 1% below the state average of $64,650, and home values are 43% above the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Aberdeen, SD?
Aberdeen offers affordable housing with a median home value of $205,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $783/month, and short commute times averaging just 11.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($63,715) that falls below the national average. However, Aberdeen’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Aberdeen has a population of 28,297 with a median age of 35.8 years. Compare Aberdeen with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Dakota.
Similar Cities Near Aberdeen
Cities in South Dakota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brookings | 23,710 | $61,979 | $243,600 | Compare |
| Watertown | 22,859 | $62,721 | $212,300 | Compare |
| Mitchell | 15,637 | $56,374 | $182,000 | Compare |
| Yankton | 15,501 | $69,071 | $202,300 | Compare |
| Huron | 14,347 | $51,556 | $164,700 | Compare |
| Pierre | 14,008 | $74,053 | $219,500 | Compare |
| Spearfish | 12,551 | $59,731 | $309,200 | Compare |
| Box Elder | 12,457 | $73,698 | $271,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in South Dakota
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Aberdeen With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Aberdeen
What is the population of Aberdeen, SD?
The population of Aberdeen, SD is 28,297 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in South Dakota.
What is the median household income in Aberdeen?
The median household income in Aberdeen, SD is $63,715 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Aberdeen?
The median home value in Aberdeen, SD is $205,500, which is 16% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Aberdeen?
The median monthly rent in Aberdeen, SD is $783, which is 33% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Aberdeen?
The unemployment rate in Aberdeen, SD is 4.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Aberdeen, SD a good place to live?
Aberdeen offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 28,297 and a median age of 35.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Aberdeen, SD?
33.6% of residents in Aberdeen aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Aberdeen?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Aberdeen, SD: median home value is $205,500 (16% below national), median rent is $783/month, and median household income is $63,715. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Aberdeen?
The poverty rate in Aberdeen, SD is 12.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Aberdeen, SD?
Aberdeen's population is 2.1% White, 8.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, 1.4% Asian, and 0.3% two or more races. 4.3% of residents are foreign-born.